President Obama issued an Executive Order in late July “declaring a national emergency with respect to the unusual and extraordinary threat that significant transnational criminal organizations pose to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.” The entities include: The Brothers’ Circle, Camorra, Yakuza and Los Zetas.

Gov. John Hickenlooper was recently named to the nine-member National Governors Association Executive Committee. He will join governors from Nebraska, Delaware, New Jersey, Indiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oklahoma and Washington in setting NGA’s priorities and determining its activities.

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock’s administration includes several recognizable Latinos in the community. Anthony Aragon was appointed to Boards and Commissions; Adrienne Benavidez as Manager of General Services; Rachel Chaparro as special assistant to the deputy chief of staff; policy analyst Arthur Ortegon; and Kendra Sandoval was appointed community liaison.

The Nov. 1, 2011 Coordinated Election will be conducted as a mail ballot election. Ballots will be mailed to voters in mid-October, and voters will have the option of mailing their ballots back or dropping them off at a Voter Service Center.

More information will be posted in the coming weeks on the Denver Elections website, www.denvervotes.org.

Paid sick days on the ballot

The Denver City Clerk ruled that the petition signatures submitted by proponents of the paid sick and safe days initiative were sufficient to qualify for the November municipal ballot.

If the initiative passes, all workers in Denver will be able to earn one hour of paid sick and safe time for every 30 hours they work, up to nine days annually for full time workers and pro-rated for part-time employees. Smaller businesses with fewer than 10 employees would be able to cap paid sick and safe time to five days per year.

Brighton school gets makeover

College In Colorado revealed the counseling center makeover at Prairie View High School in Brighton School District. Prairie View High School, located in Henderson, serves neighboring communities in Brighton, Commerce City and Thornton and has a minority student population of 52 percent. College In Colorado completed the makeover with the help of The Home Depot in Brighton.

School parking restrictions

With new routines and the changes each school year brings, parking restrictions are likely the last thing on parent’s minds. Denver Public Works reminds parents to please read the posted parking signs around your child’s school to avoid a parking citation. Two of the most popular overlooked parking restrictions around schools are street sweeping and bus lane restrictions.

Student-Athlete nominated for National Award

Every month NCSA recognizes five standout high school students from different sports around the country. This month Amanda Martinez from Arapahoe High School has been nominated as NCSA Athletic Recruiting’s August Athlete of the month.

The Commerce City Urban Renewal Authority (URA) announced the purchase of the former Mile High Greyhound Park, a 65-acre site in the heart of Commerce City.

The property, one of three identified urban renewal areas within the city, was purchased by the URA to help the city achieve its vision of redeveloping the site as a mixed-use development. Its close proximity to major highways and two commuter rail lines, as well as designation as a Colorado Enterprise Zone – which encourages development by offering possible tax credits to businesses that choose to develop there – make it an ideal location for infill development.